Francis, who is already well known for his one-liners and a regular on Mock The Week, is performing at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in a show called Return of the Lumberjacks. The show marks a reunion for Francis with fellow Canadian comics Craig Campbell and Glenn Wool, as the trio made their Edinburgh debut together 15 years ago. Although born in Canada, both of Stewart's parents are British and he lives in the UK full time with his Scottish wife.

Upon accepting the award, Stewart said: "1969 West Mall Soccer Association's Most Valuable Player, and now this... thank you, Dave."

The award, which has been running for five years, is organised by digital channel Dave. It enlisted the help of ten comedy critics to compile a list of gags, with the top 30 then put to a public vote. The poll of 3,000 comedy fans resulted in Francis' joke getting just over a fifth of the overall scores.

Stewart Francis has actually managed to get two jokes into this year's Top 10, and notably former winner Tim Vine is yet again in the Top 10 too, twice as well.

My mum's so pessimistic, that if there was an Olympics for pessimism... she wouldn't fancy her chances.#10. Nish Kumar

Dave Channel boss Steve North says: "As Dave's Funniest Joke of the Fringe celebrates its fifth anniversary it's great to see how the top ten get wittier and sharper every year. Stewart Francis is a very worthy winner and with his droll quip has proved himself to be King of the one-liners."